Although the cause of gynecomastia is not fully known, it presents as enlargement of breast tissue in men. Although it is generally thought to occur in people due to excess weight, bodybuilding and certain medications in particular can cause gynecomastia.
Most commonly seen during puberty, this condition may resolve over time. In cases where it does not resolve, it can be treated with surgical intervention depending on the condition of the breasts. Specialists of the General Surgery Department at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental have provided information about the treatment methods applied for breast enlargement in men.
Gynecomastia may not always occur in both breasts
Structurally, breast tissue is present in men as well as in women. However, due to low estrogen levels, this tissue can be quite small compared to women. In some cases, the male breast may grow and take on an abnormally large, feminine appearance; this is called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia may occur in one breast or in both breasts.
It can appear during puberty
Gynecomastia is most often seen in men entering puberty, aged 18-25, and after puberty, once hormones stabilize, regression and spontaneous resolution occur in 30% of patients. Gynecomastia of some degree may be seen in approximately 40% to 60% of men.
Watch out for medication use and excess weight!
In general, in 65% of patients with breast enlargement the cause is not fully explained, but underlying diseases must definitely be investigated. Hormonal disorders, conditions associated with testosterone deficiency and some syndromes, conditions that can cause increased estrogen, testicular tumors, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid gland diseases, lung and liver tumors, liver cirrhosis, prolonged use of alcohol and certain drugs and substances (antidepressants, narcotic substances, substances used in bodybuilding), and excessive weight gain are among the known causes of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia may be a harbinger of disease in the individual!
Since gynecomastia may be a warning sign of some diseases, the aesthetic aspect should be evaluated after careful screening. In some patients, gynecomastia may cause pain depending on the situation. However, the main reason patients seek care may be aesthetic concerns.
Ultrasonography is used to determine the diagnosis and type of gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can be divided into three types: glandular, fatty, and mixed. In the glandular type, enlargement of the breast gland structures is predominant. In the fatty type, there is an increase not in breast tissue but in the fat tissue around the breast. This type is especially common in patients who frequently gain and lose weight and who consume alcohol. In the mixed type, both types of enlargement occur together in certain proportions. Ultrasonography can be used to determine the type of gynecomastia.
The treatment method is applied according to the condition of the breast
The main treatment method for gynecomastia is surgery. Surgical intervention is performed using two methods: direct surgical removal and liposuction, a fat suction method. Depending on the type of gynecomastia, these methods may be applied alone or together.
When the cause of gynecomastia is excess breast tissue, that is, in glandular type gynecomastia, the enlarged breast tissue is surgically removed through a circular incision made at the nipple. If necessary, it can be applied together with liposuction to reduce the surrounding fat tissue.
In fatty type gynecomastia, the problem can be resolved with liposuction (fat suction) alone. This procedure is performed through cannulas inserted via a 2-3 mm incision. The biggest advantage of this option is that no scar is formed that would pose an aesthetic problem. Surgeries can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Patients can be discharged on the same day after surgical intervention.
